Skin-deep diversity

Lately, I have been walking around Wayne State’s campus thinking about diversity, and I do not believe there is actual diversity here. I have seen the covers of undergraduate and graduate bulletins that show the studious white woman being assisted by the friendly black man. I have heard the statistics about 33,000 students coming from 27 states and more than 40 countries. I admit this campus is full of beautiful people of various cultures and ethnic backgrounds. That does make this or any other place diverse. If so, it serves as more of an aesthetic feature than an actual characteristic.
The common denominator to which the various cultures at Wayne State belong is obviously education. We have come from near and far, bringing our cultures and our cultures’ baggage here, seeking the opportunity to educate ourselves in the pursuit of becoming productive members of society. As noble as this collective ambition may be, it does not ensure actual diversity.
If you go to the zoo, you will find multitudes of species. Does that make a zoo diverse? Aesthetically, yes; Realistically, no. The species are kept in their insular enclaves respectively, and for obvious reason. Humans are superior to animals because of our commonality and potential to appreciate the differences we find in others. Yet, the presence of insular enclaves is just as apparent in human groups as it is at the zoo, the difference being that our separation is both deliberate and self-imposed.
As I walk around campus, I don’t gain any added insight or appreciation of the various cultures present through sheer proximity. Even under the umbrella of education, intercultural interaction is necessary to promote appreciation and understanding, thus validating diversity. I find such interactions to be scarce on campus. I have never seen an Indian in a hip-hop cipher, nor have I seen a black guy playing cricket with Indians behind the chemistry building. Most of the social interactions I observe are amongst people just as likely to be in the same block club as to discover they are cousins at a family reunion.
“You have to be receptive and open-minded to even socialize with another race,” Peter Iwu, a Nigerian student at Wayne State, said.
Our aesthetic diversity requires that we politely tolerate each other and our differences, but does not obligate us to embrace them.
When I think of Wayne State in terms of diversity, “The Wizard of Oz” comes to mind. Some of us want to go home, some want courage, some need a heart and others a brain. Whatever our reasons, we are all skipping down this yellow brick road together. The lessons we may learn about each other through the journey might prove to be more important than the destination itself. Through education, Wayne State has provided us a medium that we might use to explore and appreciate our differences. In order to improve race relations, we must take the initiative and strive to create others. Perhaps, I am being too idealistic. Detroit is the most segregated place in America. Perhaps diversity of any nature, even aesthetic, should be viewed as an accomplishment here.

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8 comments

tim

Tue Oct 27 2009 12:33

Who cares who we hang out with on campus. You can't force your PC down our throats. I have nothing in common with Muslims who wants to kill Jews, blacks who think they are entitled to social reperations, whites who think socalisim is a good idea, republicans who want to spend our tax dollars like drunken sailers, democrats who destroy our borders, language, and culture through open borders and illegal immigrants.

I assocaite myself with those who are along the same belief system I am. It doesn't matter if they are black, white, mexican, gay, or straight.

Don't try and force students to mingle with others. It will never work.

Fluker-313-516-8822

Wed Oct 14 2009 10:18

Paul Newman has an excellent idea: "Maybe we just need to find a base for all of us to relate." WSU is an educational base, but a social base (like a "diversity clubhouse") near campus, would be a great beginning. Think of the many social events a diversity-focused group could sponsor at their clubhouse that will bring students and staff of all cultures together in a social setting. I will be the first to volunteer to help organize the club; is there anyone else?

Roland Lawrence

Mon Oct 12 2009 19:37

As a so-called "Black" person without a nationality due to it being cut-off as a result of the African Holocaust, I agree with the writer that WSU much like the metropolitan where it sits, is a very disconnected scene as far as diversity is concerned. I oftentimes get negative stares from both white students and staff - some glances almost asking "what are you doing here?" And let's not forget the WSU Police that for many decades has been known for racially profiling Black people who dare drive, walk or bike through or near its campus.

WSU fails big time in addressing these issues, preferring instead, it seems, to just collect high tuition, and pray that that it can keep the status quo as it is.

Ham Bone

Thu Sep 24 2009 14:59

We are superficially diverse. This includes racist Wayne State students (and faculty) as you know there is a certain amount of these types. (just heard the n word and the college painted all the men's room walls black to cover up racist graffiti)

A good start was this article bringing the superficial diversity to people's attention. A second step would be that the South End could have Muslim, Jewish , African American etc writers as well as those with different "intellectual and ideological diversity," although racist rants are too destructive to a diverse population and to the world.

Paul Newman

Wed Sep 23 2009 23:16

This is a very well-written article describing how anti-social other races can be towards one another. Maybe we just need to find a base for all of us to relate. Maybe a student riot is just what we need or a real life Van Wilder or maybe we should all just get drunk and relate the tradtional college way. Either way we need something in the middle

Tova

Wed Sep 23 2009 11:19

The author here makes an interesting point, but in my view misses a far more important one entirely: Intellectual and ideological diversity is sorely lacking on America's college campuses.

Skin color, race, gender and nationality do not determine a man's humanity. His ideas, behavior, heart and mind do.

I wish Wayne State would focus on real diversity...and not the PC variety.

Your name

Wed Sep 23 2009 00:37

Wednesday September 23 is cultural diversity day at wayne...An opportunity to say the least.

Ham Bone

Tue Sep 22 2009 20:51

Article makes a valid point. Maybe he could compare WSU to the old segregated South where there were different races, but not interacting.
Yes, a superficial "diversity"

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